1970 Vanden Plas 1300 Princess

Highlights

Comprehensive respray and bodywork restoration
New headlining, sound insulation, and seat belts
Professionally refurbished wheels with new radial tyres
New light assemblies and seals beams
Garaged and well-maintained by the current owner

The Appeal

The Vanden Plas 1300 Princess is a distinguished classic, known for its luxurious appointments and refined driving experience that, at the time, was usually reserved for significantly larger cars. This fusion between the small saloon and the luxurious land liner was a real curiosity. Effectively a re-badged BMC ADO16 with all of the bells and whistles, it's arguably one of the most appealing cars of the 1960s.

This fine example is a great ambassador for the Princess, and is bound to get plenty of admiration. The current owner has invested in a comprehensive respray and bodywork restoration, ensuring it presents beautifully. The interior has also been refreshed with new headlining, sound insulation, and seat belts, while the woodwork has been relacquered to maintain its classic appeal.

Even if this is your first time seeing a princess - they are certainly rather scarce cars today - we've no doubt you'll be charmed by it.

History and Paperwork

Built by the Morris Factory at Cowley in November 1969
After this it was completed by Vanden Plas of London
Registered on 13/03/1970
Four previous registered keepers
Purchased by the current owner on 14/05/2020
The current owner has serviced the vehicle since purchase
Prior to this, the previous owner used a local garage for servicing
The car was bought for the owner's wife, who has owned three Princesses over the years; this particular vehicle stood out due to the colour combination and the condition of the body
Service history is fair, with incomplete paperwork, some invoices, and service book stamps present
Currently indicates 65,023 miles on a five-figure odometer
Complete with certificate of build record from the Vanden Plas Owner's Club

The Condition

The underside of the vehicle is in very good condition
We can spot only the gentlest signs of use
Chromework carrying some patina
Some light signs of bubbling here and there
In recent work, the vehicle has seen the following:
- The vehicle was stripped and a full respray was carried out
- All screen seals, door and boot seals were replaced
- New light assemblies, seals and beams were added
- Wheels were professionally refurbished
- New radial tyres were fitted
- Internally, the car is equally sound
- New seat belts were installed
- Woodwork was relacquered
- New headlining and sound insulation were fitted
- A new boot shelf and carpet were installed
The vehicle is stored in a garage so all of this has remained in fine fettle

The Mechanics

1,275cc A-Series I4 powerplant
Automatic transmission with 4 gears
Engine bay looks in superb, clean condition
The vendor reports that the car drives very well
We're informed that the engine and gearbox are without any issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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